Pages

Brother, Can You Spare A Cool $24,500,000?

It’s official. The blog French Kissed recently announced that John Saladino’s gorgeous Montecito estate, Villa de Limma, is for sale. Why? Why? The fabulously talented interior designer spent years restoring the stone house – chronicled in the book Saladino Villa. Built in the 1920s, the restoration took over four years and the budget was double its estimation. Everything was decrepit and had to be restored. The stone walls were crumbling which Saladino had to reinforce from the inside. His crew spent years scrapping offensive paint from the stone and tile floors. The entire restoration process was backbreaking, hugely expensive, and a true labor of love. And yet, just a few years later, it’s up for sale. Perhaps the allure was the challenge. Once he accomplished it, the upkeep proved too much or the estate is too big for just Betty and John? Who knows? But seriously, anyone out there have $24,500,000 they wish to loan me?

Below, are some of the photographs from the real estate brochure HERE, as well as others from the book and assorted places. To view the story on French Kissed, go HERE.

If you don’t have it – get it. It’s a fascinating read, all about the renovation with wonderful photography.

Aerial view. The entrance is on the upper right. The master bedroom overlooks the swimming pool on the left.

Entering the estate through these arches.

The same arches with a view of the motor court and entrance gallery on the right.

The open air entrance gallery. To the right is a courtyard. To the left is the front door, kept with its exceptionally low door, making tall visitors have to lower their heads to enter.

Looking at the entrance gallery from the courtyard.

The entry hall. Saladino is known for hanging antique tapestries, fabrics, and rugs on the walls, then layering mirrors and art works atop them.

The entrance hall faces out to the side yard. To the right past the fireplace is the living room. To the left of the French doors is the dining room and then the kitchen.

A photograph of the stairway leading up to the guest bedrooms. Notice the antiques on top of the chest. Saladino surrounds himself with beauty. Every item in his house is either an antique or specially chosen piece.

The living room – so Saladino! Every chair, every table, every lamp, every urn is gorgeous.

Same view from the real estate brochure. Notice the gorgeous rug. The master bedroom is reached through the door to the right of the window.

The opposite view. The back door way leads to the entry hall, then on to the dining room and kitchen. Notice the tapestry hanging on the wall, with a mirror layered over it. His beautiful Cy Twombly is on the wall to the right. Just too gorgeous for words.

Close up view of living room.

The hall which leads from the living room to the bedrooms downstairs. Here Saladino’s Robert Courtright artwork hangs in front of a door which leads out to the courtyard, by the front door!

The dining room is located to the left of the entry hall. The kitchen is through a hidden door in the wood paneling, to the right of the fireplace. Saladino loves skirted tables and slipcovers. His collection of creamware is seen above the fireplace. Notice his curtains.

A closeup of his chairs, available from his furniture line.

And looking the other direction. Up the steps is the entry hall, then the living room, which can be seen through the wood doors. Gorgeous chandelier!

Past the fireplace in the dining room is the kitchen. The refrigerator to the very left is actually a door to another room. The breakfast room is to the right of the refrigerator. The large charger on the left is seen from the entry hall, past the dining room. Saladino believes the eye should have a resting point at the end of a vista – here the charger provides that.

Another view of the kitchen, showing a small eating area.

Dining spot off kitchen – door leads to entry gallery.

The breakfast room. All the windows were replaced with these iron beauties that were custom made to fit the arches. Notice how very thin the window is – you can see this where it meets the thick stone wall.

A night view looking into the breakfast room.

Saladino’s companion Betty’s room. He designed the bed to act as a sofa during the day. Those pillows! Those books!

And another view of Betty’s room which overlooks her own courtyard.

Saladino’s bedroom. The bed floats in the space. His desk is to the left.

A closeup view of the hanging curtains layered with mirror on the back wall.

Opposite Saladino’s bed is his desk placed in front of a Zuber wallpaper screen.

Saladino’s shower – contemporary against the old stone walls.

Saladino’s two story home office. The desk is a beautiful table called into service. His famous cylinder lamp sits atop it.

This room is across the entrance courtyard away from the main house.

Upstairs there are a row of guest rooms – each is unique and each has its own name. This is the Primavera Bedroom. I love the headboard detailing with its Edwardian pelmet.

The famous powder room with its ancient bowl used as a sink. Notice the mirror and the faucet.

Saladino spent enormous energy and money on getting the landscaping to his satisfaction. But, first, he had to create an elaborate drainage system to remove rainwater from the estate.

The courtyard to the right of the entrance gallery seen on the left.

Saladino used lots of succulents for their texture and color.

The swimming pool off the living room and master bedroom.

The ancient column becomes a focal point in the gardens.

One dining table in the gravel courtyard.

And another dining table in the olive tree allee. Notice the balustrades.

A Bing Map view of the property. You can see the swimming pool and lone column to the left bottom. The entrance court is on the right.

Thank you to French Kissed. To see more pictures of Villa de Limma on French Kissed, go HERE. And to see the real estate brochure, go HERE. The glorious photographs taken for the real estate brochure were done by Jim Bartsch HERE.

Oh, my. How beautiful. Mr. Saladino is my favorite designer. When he spoke in Atlanta recently, he didn't mention any financial problems. :-) Maybe he's in the market for new clients. Moi? Going to buy a lottery ticket.

Saladino is the master. It just doesn't get any better than this. I agree with Columnist, there just isn't anything that I don't like about this house. "The world is full of beautiful things. Why settle for mediocrity?"

I am a devoted reader, and have not left a negative comment before, and it is not the fault of the blog, rather the house.And thanks for your tireless efforts to bring us nice things to see! I think the house is monotonous, with too many white rocks, and not enough pretty patterns. The house is grand, and i'm not suggesting chintz, but just some eyecatching contrasting patterns. And to some, patterns are dated, oh, well. The house is subtle, just like the weather in California.

Although it is an absolutely gorgeous house, and the grounds are spectacular, somehow I just don't think that I could ever feel a place like this was a home. I guess maybe it's the scale and the showiness?

Call me crazy but I'd prefer a pretty house in RO or WestU with dark hardwoods, seagrass, and those Houston silk puddle curtains over this any day.

I really think the house is beautiful. I love the use of so many different textures inside and out. I lose my breath just looking at the photos. I especially am in love with the Zuber wallpaper covered screen. Someone mentioned a bloggers retreat there; but I think we would never leave. :)Another wonderfully researched post with outstanding photos!! Great job, Joni!xx-Gina

I love, love this house! Everything is so beautiful and each object from a chair to a lamp to a glass was purposefully placed there. In the photo of the kitchen, does anyone else see two birds perched on like a stone outcropping next to the vase and the charger? I love to use little birds in my decoration in inconspicous places - the unexpected -- and see who notices then... usually children, to their delite. The bathroom with the old stone walls and the modern glass enclosed shower is amazing. Have to go buy the book!

Pardon me....as I pick my lower jaw up off the floor. What a beautiful estate. The stone walls, the curtains, THE KITCHEN...all beautiful. I would just love to sit in the garden and have a glass of iced tea....what heaven!

ALL THAT IS PIE - I agree with you. The heaviness continues throughout the house without relief. The kitchen while fabulous on its own, does not seem to fit the feel of the rest of the home. The grounds are wonderful and the outdoor dining space among the olive trees would be the selling point for me, but the decor looks like the owner has listened to one to many tragic operas.

Truly an amazing place!!!!!After all of the pictures etc and the publicity done on this home in particular, as gorgeous as the home is and your presentation of it Joni, I can't blame him for offering it up, he probably has something else already in the works. You can't get anyone to publish something about your OLD house...Great post, keep em coming! Maryanne

I have the book which I read from time to time for inspiration. I'm really stunned to hear they would spend so much time and love on this magnificent property and then move on. Ah well...he can certainly make any place he lives in a beautiful reflection of his talents.

The dining room is elegant and a breath of fresh air compared to the musty appearance of many other rooms in the house. The grounds and location are stunning. I hope it's sold and we will some day see what the new owners do with the interior. I believe it would be just as beautiful and inviting with less weighty and dark fabrics. Perhaps a young family to put some life into the rooms, but then again how many young families have $24 million.

I absolutely adored Mr. Saladino's New York ballroom apartment and his country house (I think it was called Robin Hill). I love his furniture, his fabric choices and the way he combines accessories. But, truth be told, I don't like this house as much as his other homes - probably because I don't particularly like Mediterranean-style houses. The setting is fabulous, but I find the house itself rather heavy and dreary. And the kitchen looks as though it belongs in an entirely different home.

I have been to fabulous homes in Europe and America and this is just the most fabulous I have ever seen. It does not feel dark or heavy when you are there. The kitchen does really work with the rest of the house. It is rustic and formal at the same time and even perfect for his small granddaughter! I wondered if the house could ever match up to the exquisite book which I, like so many of you, treasure.Never fear, it is Divine Perfection.To see it is to love it!

Dear Joni,I wish I could live in such a beautiful house!Unfortunately, it will only be in my dreams! Thank you for the tour! John Saladino is so talented! I might think that John Saladino is in the USA at the same level of interior decoration as Axel Vervoordt is in Europe.Have a wonderful weekend Jon!xxGreet

Oops, meant to say, I love the kitchen..except for the heavy beams overhead..I think I would have to lighten those up quite a bit to spend a lot of time in there, but the kitchen is really fabulous and works with the rest of the house in that it is truly functional to support such a grand home, and there are enough other places for entertaining that people don't have to hang out in the kitchen...I get the feeling that the cook and the caterers use this kitchen a lot...:)

Hi Joni, I am wondering how I can contact you via email. Personal question, small favor for a fellow blogger. I will explain when I hear from you and have your email address. I looked all over and perhaps I am too in awww over this home. This home is off the hook....I could never imagine living in such a large beautiful estate. I really adore rustic Old world Charm. The wood beams are what I adore the most. http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.comdebbiedoos6@aol.com

Mother of Mercy, and be still my heart!!!!!!!! This home/estate is perfection to me! Not one thing I don't like. Love the idea of hanging tapestries or drapes and covering with mirrors or art. The kitchen is to die for but my heart skips a beat seeing the landscaping too. Thanks so much for sharing this beauty! XO, Pinky

Several months ago, during a cold winter's day, I sat in our local Bookstore. I spend over an hour salivating at The Villa Book. Mr.Saladino impressed me the first time I saw him in action (being featured on a design show many years ago) He struck me as very unassuming, down to earth and humble. He is a creative genius. I feel quite fortune to have had the opportunity to view his work via print media.In regards to The Villa.How breathtaking magnificent. The shower in his private bathroom rates a solid 10 on the drool scale. The disappointing factor in the selling of The Villa is that I can not take possession of it for my family. What a cherished memory it would it be to be Mr and Mrs. Saladino house guest for several days.I am in the dreaming mood, since today is my birthday. Kindly, CJFyieldingto(ataoldotcom)

WOW, I love this because there is not a single formulaic composition to be found within. This is what is probably throwing off some of the negative commenters but when you have the raw talent and trained eye of Mr. Saladino you don't rely on whatever a $7.95 magazine deems design. Perfection in my opinion. Thanks for the eye candy Joni.GE

louis vuitton uk are diversified in various kinds, handbags, backpacks, portable bags, purses, wallets and pouches. All kinds are popular among the whole word people.louis vuitton Store Online Handbags can also bring great accuracy as well as practical applicability and fashionable.Have you ever dreamed of being as charming as Madonna? Have you ever thought of becoming an envy of all your friends? If so, come to louis vuitton outlet.

At the coach outlet online you have the largest selection of the day. If you touch the item and like it, keep it in your possession until you make your final decision.The coach factory outlet has been in business for many years. You can log in to find more information about its products and services.You know, Coach items are so perfect and fascinating. Now I grow up, and find coach outlet on the Internet offering affordable products with reliable quality.

There certainly are a amount of methods to acquire affordable coach products at coach factory outlet,it could possibly the most effective options.the most vital cause may be the reality that you simply can purchase genuine coach products at there.All people give the good comments for the coach factory online, and now the Coach outlet store provides many discount goods online.Coach bags enjoy high popularity throughout the world. I would like to share the coach factory outlet online with you. What are you waiting for? Just come to visit.

There certainly are a amount of methods to acquire affordable coach products at coach factory outlet,it could possibly the most effective options.the most vital cause may be the reality that you simply can purchase genuine coach products at there.It is believed that you will like the products on the coach factory online. There are spacious sizes and different colors, styles and so on.in the market you definitely can find various colorways that are designed in as well as the high quality that applied in. For most of you would like to come. So just come to our coach factory outlet online store to choose one.

The coach bags are utilized for formal event in company area that will display your excellent taste.Not only does a briefcase make is easier to carry things.coach outlet store online with fashion style and top quality succeed. In any occasions they are very suitable and appropriate for its precise and rich design.Coach Poppy Signature Carryall Handbag purchased from the coach outlet store is an ideal bag for every occasion. It's a lovely hot pink bag with a comfortable double strap that can be handheld.

The Coach bag is from the latest release of Coach Bags. Its crisp, scribble material, leather handle, perfectly complements the relaxed shape of this stylish pouch. All the items of coach outlet online Store fit all of your essentials and more.Bright colors, exquisite workmanship, durable material and up-to-date style all lead to the great fame of the goods in coach outlet.As a fashion and modern lady, you can never have too many bags but Coach, Coach is a great leather handbags brand. coach outlet store online have different look according to different designer concept.